Cllr Stef Simmons

30/09/2026

£10 million fund to support Herefordshire’s hospitality sector

Are you part of Herefordshire's hospitality sector and planning a project that could benefit local people, businesses or town centres?

A new £10 million Hospitality Grant Scheme has launched to support projects that can benefit local people, businesses and communities.

Funding could support projects that:
▶️ Create jobs and training opportunities
▶️ Bring vacant premises back into use
▶️ Boost the evening economy
▶️ Improve sustainability and productivity

There’s also £3 million specifically earmarked for Pub is The Hub, supporting rural and disadvantaged communities to diversify their local pubs which could include village shops, community cafés, play areas and arts and crafts activities, helping pubs become even more valuable community hubs.

The scheme is open to SMEs, charities, social enterprises and public bodies, with projects needing to cost at least £100,000 with the funding typically covering 50–60% of eligible project costs.

If you have a project that could help your community and strengthen Herefordshire’s hospitality sector, find out more and start your application by 13 October, link in the comments below 🔽

30/09/2026

New £3,000 bursary to support local students into higher education

We’re backing a new Bursary helping Herefordshire students overcome financial barriers to higher education and develop the skills they need for their future careers

The Herefordshire Futures Bursary, delivered through Hereford College of Arts and Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College, provides eligible students with:

▶️ £1,000 per year for full-time undergraduate study, up to £3,000 in total
▶️ £500 per year for eligible part-time study

Priority will be given to applicants from some of Herefordshire’s most disadvantaged communities, low income households and those who were eligible for free school meals during 2025/26 with other Herefordshire residents experiencing financial barriers to higher education also being considered

The bursary forms part of our partnership with local education providers to strengthen pathways from education into higher skilled employment and help develop the skills needed by employers across the county

For more on the Herefordshire Futures Bursary and how it could help you take your next step, visit our newsroom, link in the comments below 🔽

30/08/2026

Fingers crossed weather window holds for tomorrow‘s bank holiday Ledbury Carnival 🤞Will be a great afternoon for the whole family

15/08/2026

TODAY free family fun day! The wonderful volunteers at LEAF are at Ledbury Primary School today 12noon to 4pm for fun, games and food

03/08/2026

Played rugby before, or wanted to but wasn’t sure? Walking rugby is great fun, aimed at those whose full contact days are behind them (including me!) Ledbury Legends are a welcoming bunch - come down to the club and give it a go!

25/07/2026

If you or a relative or someone you care for receives home care services in Herefordshire, please help our Adult Social Care team to learn more about what your needs, and plan for future improvements
The short survey only takes around 5 minutes and is open to people who receive home care support, as well as carers, family members and advocates
If you prefer talking to someone to help complete the survey you can call:

📞01432 383628 or 01432 260869

Or you can take apart and have your say online, using the link in the comments below 🔽

Survey closes at 5pm on Friday 24 July

30/06/2026

HAF bookings open tomorrow at midday!

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is back for Summer 2026, offering free fun, food and activities for eligible children aged 5–16. From dance and crafts to sports and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—plus a healthy meal included with every session.

Bookings open on Wednesday 1 July, with the programme starting on Monday 27 July. Families can book up to 16 sessions per child, making it the perfect way to stay active, try new things and have fun over the holidays.

Find out more: https://orlo.uk/J5Dkj

19/06/2026

Any local schools or community groups looking to undertake a project to help our wildlife please take a look at this grant scheme now open ⬇️

Community groups invited to apply for green grants
The Nature and Biodiversity Community Grant Scheme is now open, offering between £500 and £10,000 to support projects that improve habitats, boost biodiversity and help people connect with nature in Herefordshire
Community groups, charities, schools and parish councils can apply for funding for projects such as tree planting, wildflower meadows, ponds, wildlife habitats and community green spaces
Working in partnership with FCC Environment the scheme will support practical local projects that make a real difference for wildlife and the environment
Find out more and apply, visit our newsroom, link in the comments below 🔽

19/06/2026

Community groups invited to apply for green grants
The Nature and Biodiversity Community Grant Scheme is now open, offering between £500 and £10,000 to support projects that improve habitats, boost biodiversity and help people connect with nature in Herefordshire
Community groups, charities, schools and parish councils can apply for funding for projects such as tree planting, wildflower meadows, ponds, wildlife habitats and community green spaces
Working in partnership with FCC Environment the scheme will support practical local projects that make a real difference for wildlife and the environment
Find out more and apply, visit our newsroom, link in the comments below 🔽

17/06/2026

Are you worried about paying your rent or falling behind on bills?
Our Early Prevention of Homelessness team is here to help before things reach crisis point and offer free, confidential advice on:

✅ Managing rent arrears
✅ Household bills and debt
✅ Letters from landlords

Find out more: https://orlo.uk/j8DwL

Or you can contact the team by emailing [email protected]